Healthy, Happy Summer Strong!!
Summer is such a fun time of year! So many opportunities to gather with those we love, from picnics, to weddings, graduation parties, and traveling. These are all good things! However, when you are following a healing protocol, or simply trying to make proactive choices for your health, sometimes these events can seem like an obstacle to your goals. I am here to tell you that you can embrace them both! Read on for practical tips, as well as mindset shifts, both of which will be setting you up for a wonderful summer!
First Practical Step - Always Start With a Plan
There are a variety of different summertime events, and each one will have it’s own unique approach. However, the commonality between all of them are the steps of accessing, anticipating, and preparing for each gathering. When you have a plan, you are setting yourself up for success! Doing so will reduce your stress, allow you to relax and fully enjoy the event!
Picnics, Reunions, and Graduation Parties
These events are often ones where you bring a dish to pass. In these situations I bring something that I know I can eat, and that others will enjoy too! My family has been helpful over the years in giving their input in building out a list of “party worth” recipes!
Some of my go to options are a veggie tray with homemade hummus or ranch dip, broccoli slaw for a side, and Otto’s Naturals Paleo Brownie Mix!
If I’m not sure what is being served, and it is a situation where I am not bringing a dish to pass, I may eat a small healthy snack before hand. This way, if there is only a small selection of options for me, I won’t be hungry.
I also typically have a backup snack on hand. Generally I carry a few sea salt Chomps sticks in my purse, for those “just in case” situations. If need be, I will wait and eat one on the way home.
Weddings
Such a wonderful time to celebrate a couple beginning of a new life together!
At these events it is often a sit down dinner, and sometimes a buffet. If you are given the opportunity to make any dietary requests, my personal approach is to mention whatever is most important. I have a few categories of food that I avoid, but gluten is the only one that I usually mention.
Once again, I would suggest eating a protein rich snack before you go, especially so you are not overly hungry during cocktail hour. If you will be having alcohol, a possible suggestion is to alternate each drink with a glass of water.
For a fun tip…Say yes to dancing 💃🕺: It’s a fun way to stay active and enjoy the event!
Mindset reminder…You’re there to celebrate love and connection, not just the cake! ;) Remembering that helps to keep your focus on the newlyweds and connecting with others, versus what you can and cannot eat.
Traveling By Air
I prepare for my travel days assuming there aren’t going to be options for me at the airport and/or there won’t be time to eat due to connecting flight issues. Taking this mindset sets me up for success, so I’m not caught in a situation where I am forced to make a choice that compromises my health.
First I think about the hours that I will be traveling and what meals will I be traveling for. Then I plan accordingly.
I typically account for 2 meals on the go.
Meal 1 - 2 Chomps bars, apple slices, and a handful of walnuts.
Meal 2 - container of mixed seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), baggie of raw veggies, olives, and a single serving container of guacamole. There are guacamole cups where the only ingredient is mashed avocados.
I do enjoy chocolate and dessert, so I plan accordingly to preempt any temptations! I bring along a couple Simple Mills Nut Butter Stuffed Sandwich cookies. Cocoa & Cashew Butter are my favorite! :)
I put the cold items in a small cooler in my backpack. I use a hard blue ice pack to keep everything cold. Security will typically pull my bag aside to check it, but pulling the cold pack out for them to see can sometimes help to avoid that. As long as it is frozen it is okay to have in your carry on.
You can also look up in advance the restaurant options in the terminal you will be traveling through. I typically travel through Baltimore, and I highly recommend Silver Linings restaurant!
Traveling By Car
Here I typically follow the same food plan that I use when I fly, in regards to what I bring.
If you have the space, you can bring a cooler with some additional food options. For this you would want to consider how many days you will be traveling. You can replenish your ice at the hotel using ziplock bags. I also recommend getting a hotel room with a mini fridge to store your food overnight and during your stay.
You can look up in advance restaurant options that will be near to you, review the menus, and find the ones that will be able to support what you need. Whenever you need to ask for modifications to what you are ordering, always be sure to ask politely. I also like to tip well, as an appreciation for all their efforts!
Regarding fast food, I would go with a Wendy’s hamburger on a bed a lettuce.
Mindset Shifts
As with anything new, I would like to suggest that in addition to the practical steps, being intentional about your mindset is even more important!
Here are my top tips for how to approach these special events:
Advocate for yourself with grace.
Prioritize the connection with the people there, over any of the food you cannot eat.
Own your journey—don’t depend on other people’s choices to dictate your journey.
Planning is a powerful form of self-care.
If you want a treat, planning in advance will always serve you well. When you have it, enjoy it fully, without guilt, and then let it go :)
It isn’t about being perfect. It’s about having the tools in your toolbox to support your health and your goals…while also being able to enjoy all the special moments during the summer!
Wishing you a summer full of connection with those you love, while being able to stay on track with your health goals!
Sending you so much love,
Beth xo
If you are interested in my hummus, ranch, or broccoli slaw recipes, let me know!
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